How to Send Audio Files

• Audio Files: A Quick Recap
• How to Send Audio Files
  1. MASV — the best option for pros
  2. Email
  3. Google Drive
  4. OneDrive
  5. Dropbox
  6. WeTransfer
  7. Facebook Messenger
  8. Instagram
• The Best Way to Send Audio Files

Audio Files: A Quick Recap

There are types of audio file formats. The three main categories are:

1. Lossy or standard (e.g., MP3, AAC)
2. Lossless or high-resolution (e.g., FLAC, ALAC)
3. Uncompressed (e.g., WAV)

Audio file size is determined by:

• The length of the file
• The sampling rate — the number of samples of an audio signal taken per second (measured in Hertz).
• The bit depth — the number of bits of data per sample
• The channel count — mono or stereo (stereo is twice the size of mono)
• The compression codec (e.g. MP3, MPEG, Waveform, etc.)

Luckily, audio files are way lighter than a video, for example, but they can still be pretty heavy.

For example, an hour-long recording at 32-bit, 44100 Hz, in stereo can surpass a gigabyte.

Now imagine a 10-hour reading of an audiobook or a 3-hour conversation converted into a podcast? It’s important to keep audio file size in mind as it will dictate which tool is best for your needs.

💡 Related: How to Make Your Voice Sound Better in Premiere Pro

How to Send Audio Files

Whether you’re sending sound effects and music files to your editor or voice recordings to clients, you don’t want to run into file size limits or waste time compressing audio. Browse eight different ways to send audio files with pros and cons for each, below. 👇

1. MASV — the best option for pros

The best option for professional musicians, mixers, and producers who need to send large audio files is MASV — an accelerated cloud file transfer tool. To use MASV, simply sign-up for an account (we’ll throw in 20 GBs free to start you out).

1. Once signed in, drag-and-drop a file into the upload field.
2. Enter your recipient’s email or generate a shareable link.

3. Hit Send.

4. Optionally, you can write a message, set specific download limits and expiry dates, and add a password.

Cons ❌

• No formal mobile app — but the browser is fully compatible with iOS and Android!
• No free option.

💡 Read More: How MASV Solved all of Sound Lounge’s Large File Transfer Challenges

2. Email

People often email audio files, especially if the files are smaller in size and there are only a few of them. For casual senders, email is great. However, for professionals and audiophiles who work with large audio files, it won’t do.

Gmail’s file size limit is 25 MB. Outlook allows up to 20 MB. Apple Mail also only allows 20 MB.

A workaround for these limits is using lossless compression such as Zip or RAR tools to reduce your audio file’s size. Even so, you’re still severely hampered in your ability to send large audio files.

Here’s how to send audio files via email:

1. Open your email client.
2. Compose a new message.
3. Attach your audio file.
4. Enter the recipient’s email and your message.
5. Hit Send.

Cons ❌

• Limited file attachment size so you can’t send many audio files or high-resolution ones.

3. Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular file storage and synchronization service that’s free and easy to use. If you have a Google account, you can use Google Drive to send audio files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your Google Drive.
2. Click the New button in the top-left-hand corner and choose the file you want to upload.
3. Once it’s finished uploading, right-click on your file.
4. In the pop-up menu, click Share.

5. In the window that appears, you can do one or both of the following:

• Copy the link and send it to the recipient through email or a messaging app
• Enter the recipient’s email address into the field that says Add people and groups

Cons ❌

• Free option only has 15 GB of storage.
• Transfer speeds can be slow if you’re working with many files and/or large files.

4. OneDrive

OneDrive is a file-hosting service operated by Microsoft that allows you to upload and share files. It’s similar to Google Drive but integrates with the Microsoft 365 suite of apps and tools. Here’s how you can send audio files using OneDrive:

1. Go to your OneDrive.
2. Click the Upload button **at the top of the page.

 3. Choose the file you want to upload.

 4. Once your file is uploaded, click the three dots beside the file name and click Share.

 5. In the pop-up window, add the email addresses of your recipients, or copy the link and send it through email or a messaging app.

Cons ❌

• The free option only has 5 GB of storage space.
• Maximum file size is 250 GB.
• Transfer speeds can be slow if you’re working with many files and/or large files.

5. Dropbox

Dropbox is a robust cloud storage service that allows for easy file sharing and storage. A free account will get you 2 GB of storage, but you can get more when you upgrade to paid plans.

Here’s how to send audio files via Dropbox:

1. Upload your audio file to Dropbox.
2. Once it’s finished uploading, hover over the file and click Copy link when it appears.

 3. Send the link to the recipient(s).

Cons ❌

• You need to create an account to use Dropbox.
• Max file upload is 50 GB on the web.

6. WeTransfer

WeTransfer is a simple, easy-to-use free file transfer service that allows you to send large files to other users.

Here’s how to send audio files via WeTransfer:

1. Go to WeTransfer.
2. Upload your audio file.
3. Enter your email, the recipient’s email address, your message and click Transfer.

Cons ❌

• Only up to 2 GB per transfer with the free service.
• Up to 200 GB per transfer with WeTranfser Pro (paid).
• Need a separate account for the mobile app.
• No link history (need to upload file again if you lose the link).

7. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger allows you to send audio files, but the recipient can only play the audio within the app rather than download it onto their phone or computer.

If you need to communicate over Facebook Messenger, there is a workaround that will allow you to send downloadable audio files.

1. Upload your file to a cloud file transfer service such as MASV, WeTransfer, or Dropbox.
2. Share the link with the recipient on Facebook Messenger. They can download the file to their device from the link.

Cons ❌

• Need to go through extra steps to send audio files.
• Can only send files on desktop, not mobile devices.
• Privacy concerns.

8. Instagram

Similar to Facebook Messenger, Instagram doesn’t currently allow you to send an audio file directly through the app. There are two workarounds for this limitation.

Create a video with your audio file

Instagram allows you to send and save videos. You can create a video (using a static image would be best) with the audio. There are many video editing apps and tools that would allow you to do this.

Upload your audio file to a file transfer service and send the link

Upload your file to a service such as MASV, WeTransfer, or Dropbox and share the link with the recipient on Instagram. They can download the file to their device from the link.

Cons ❌

• The recipient can only download files on their phone as Instagram doesn’t offer this functionality on desktop.
• Need to go through extra steps to send audio files.
• User interface isn’t optimized for sending and receiving downloadable files.
• Privacy concerns.

The Best Way to Send Audio Files

To summarize, here are the best ways to send audio files based on your need:

• Email — good for fast, easy delivery of small audio files (under 20 MB).
• OneDrive, Google Drive — Microsoft and Google products are widely accessible; these drives can store and send files under 15 GB for free.
• Dropbox, WeTransfer — Good transfer options for larger files (if you’re willing to pay a monthly subscription fee).
• MASV — Ideal for pro users who need to send large batches of high-resolution audio files; supports large video uploads as well.
• Facebook, Instagram — A good way to share and listen to audio files but it’s difficult to download said files.

So there you have it. Eight ways to send audio files. If you’re a media professional, MASV remains the best way to send audio files.

It’s fast, secure and extremely easy to use. With its 15 TB file size transfer limit, it’s the best option for pros working with many large files as part of their daily work routine.

Furthermore, MASV streamlines the production workflow, giving you back your time and minimizing costs. Sign up today and get 20 GB to use as you see fit.

💡 Read More: Why MASV is Essential to Smart Post’s ADR Worfklow